World Converter. Model WC-01. User and Technical Manual

Transcription

1 World Converter Model WC-01 User and Technical Manual

2 Copyright Aurora Design LLC. Revision March, 2013 All specifications subject to change

3 Introduction Introduction This manual covers the operation and technical aspects of the Aurora Design World Converter. This Converter is designed to accept any standard color NTSC, PAL or SECAM video signal and convert to one of many different output standards, both electronic and mechanical. Features Compact, low power, surface mount design Front panel 20 character / 2 line high contrast LCD and rotary encoders Agile built-in RF Modulator: - Programmable between MHz - Supports positive/negative video and AM/FM audio modulation schemes - Preprogrammed with 31 RF Systems and over 800 channels - Custom User configurable RF System with up to 32 unique channels Converter bypass mode for use as stand alone RF Modulator Extremely stable output: +/- 3% levels, +/- 50ppm timing Extremely accurate algorithms used for conversions: - Three line interpolation on all electronic standards - All internal calculations done to a minimum 14 bit precision 10 bit professional grade video decoder 2 high speed 12 bit video D/A s for greater than 66dB dynamic range 3 medium speed 12 bit video D/A s for mechanical RGB output 4 low speed 12 bit D/A s for system control 512Mb or 1.0Gb FLASH Image Memory for storing of custom images 128Mb SDRAM holds eight 10 bit images with 63 mega-pixel/sec performance 500K gate equivalent, 300Kb RAM FieldProgrammableGateArray 4Mb EEPROM memory for FPGA firmware, field upgradeable 8 bit microcontroller with 64K FLASH memory for system control, field upgradeable Custom microcontroller RTOS 512Kb EEPROM memory for storing all user settings 20 bit audio codec for extremely high quality audio All outputs fully buffered 5 separate switching supplies for high efficiency, low power operation 3

4 Introduction Full compliment I/O: - Composite Video Input (NTSC/PAL/SECAM, 1Vpp, 75Ω) - S-Video Input (NTSC/PAL/SECAM, 1Vpp, 75Ω) - Component Video Input YUV/RGB/RGBS (NTSC/PAL, 1Vpp, 75Ω) - Composite Video Output (1Vpp, 75Ω) - Mechanical RGB Output (1Vpp, 75Ω) - Stereo Audio Inputs (-10dBV nominal, 0.2Vpp-5Vpp, 20KΩ) - Mono Audio Output (-10dBV nominal, 0.2Vpp-5Vpp, 100Ω) - Reference Input (20Vrms maximum, V threshold, 10KΩ) - Reference Output (3.3Vpp maximum, 75Ω) - RF Output (66dBµV-98dBµV adjustable, 75Ω) - DC Power Input (7.5-20Vdc, 3W typical) - DC Power Switched Output (4A maximum) - Reference Driver Output (optional, 20W maximum into 8Ω) - Mechanical RGB Driver Output (optional, 20W maximum total) Front Panel The front panel is shown below: Left User Control LCD Display Right User Control Aurora Design World Converter Left/Right User Controls: These two rotary encoders are used to control all aspects of the converter. By default, the left encoder is the Menu Control, and the right encoder is the Select 4

5 Introduction Control. (This can be changed in the System Settings Menu) These controls can be rotated in either direction, and pushed to make selections. The converter is powered on and off by holding both these controls in for 1 second. LCD Display: This high contrast, 20 character, 2 line display is used to make all changes, and to display status of the converter. The top line is used to display the menu or setting that is currently selected, while the second line displays the actual setting. Rear Panel The rear panel is shown below: Audio Right Input Audio Left Input Ref Input Composite Video Input S-Video Input Y / G Input Component B-Y / B Input R-Y / R Input RF Output Audio Output Ref Output Composite Video Output Mech RGB Output Ref Driver Output Current Driver Output Power Output Power Input Audio Right/Left Inputs: These RCA connectors are used to supply the audio signal to the converter. The two connectors are summed internally into a monaural signal with a selectable gain. (adjusted in the Input Settings Menu) If only a monaural source is available, it can be 5

6 Introduction connected to either of the audio input connectors, or both through a Y cable if higher input gain is required. The inputs can accept a wide range of audio input levels, but are designed to work optimally with standard, consumer level -10dBV audio signals. For complete information about the characteristics of these inputs, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Ref Input: This RCA or BNC connector is used to supply a reference signal to the converter for mechanical standards. The signal can be a Line, Frame or Mains reference. The input is DC coupled internally, and has an adjustable threshold settable in the Output Settings Menu. This input is set to Auto Detect mode by default, and does not normally need to be changed. For complete information about the characteristics of this input, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Composite Video Input: This RCA or BNC connector is normally used to supply a composite NTSC, PAL or SECAM video signal to the converter. The input is set to Auto Detect by default, but can be overridden in the Input Settings Menu. In addition, if the converter is set to the Bypassed mode, then the video signal on this connector is sent to the RF modulator with no additional signal processing. Any video signal can be supplied in this mode, although it is the users responsibility to verify this video signal to obtain the desired result from the modulator. For complete information about the characteristics of this input, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. S-Video Input: This Mini-DIN connector is used to supply an S-Video NTSC, PAL or SECAM signal to the converter. This input provides a higher quality signal than the composite input and should be used if available. The input is set to Auto Detect by 6

7 Introduction default, but can be overridden in the Input Settings Menu. For complete information about the characteristics of this input, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Component Video Input: These RCA or BNC connectors are used to supply a component NTSC or PAL video signal to the converter. This input provides the highest quality signal and should be used if available. The input is set to Auto Detect by default, but can be overridden in the Input Settings Menu. The component video signal can be of the type YUV, RGB or RGBS. (with RGBS the composite video input is used for the S signal). Only a YUV type signal will be recognized in the Auto Detect mode. If an RGB or RGBS source is used, it must be manually selected in the Input Settings Menu. For complete information about the characteristics of this input, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. RF Output: This F connector provides the RF output from the modulator. This output should terminate into a 75Ω load. It should only be used to connect directly to the antenna terminals of a television set, and never be used for broadcast purposes. The RF System, RF channel and output gain on this connector can be selected in the Output Settings Menu. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Audio Output: This RCA connector provides the processed audio output from the converter. This output is delayed to matched the video output of the converter. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. 7

8 Introduction Ref Output: This RCA or BNC connector provides a reference signal from the converter. For electronic standards, this can be a Field or Frame pulse, while for mechanical standards it can be a Line, Field or Mains reference. In addition, the audio output can be routed through this connector, and when used in conjunction with the optional Reference/Current Driver option, can provide a signal to directly drive a loud speaker. This is beneficial when used with mechanical televisions that normally do not have audio facilities. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Composite Video Output: This RCA or BNC connector provides the video output from the converter. This signal should terminate into a 75Ω load. This output is the main video output from the converter and is only valid when the converter is not set to Bypass mode. If the converter is set to Bypass mode, no signal will be present at this output. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Mechanical RGB Output: This Mini-DIN connector provides an additional, simultaneous RGB output signal for all mechanical standards. These signals should terminate into a 75Ω load. While the monochrome output will still be present on the composite video output, this connector provides three separate outputs that contain the color information. For mechanical standards that contain sync information, like that of the NBTV, the sync information will not appear at this output, only on the composite output. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. 8

9 Introduction Ref Driver Output (optional): When the optional Reference/Current Driver board is installed, this Mini-DIN connector will provide a 20W output of the signal on the Ref Output. This can be used to drive phonic coils on mechanical televisions with the appropriate matching transformer, or drive a loud speaker in Audio Passthrough mode. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Mechanical Current Driver Output (optional): When the optional Reference/Current Driver board is installed, this Mini-DIN connector will provide three 333ma LED current drivers of the signals on the Mechanical RGB Output. These three outputs can directly drive an RGB LED array for full color mechanical television, or can be bridged together to drive a monochrome LED array. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Power Output: This DC coaxial connector is a switched output of the Power Input connector, and used to supply power to external devices. It can be enabled in the Output Settings Menu. For complete information about the characteristics of this output, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. Power Input: This DC coaxial connector is used to supply power to the converter. The amount of power required is determined by the options and load connected to the converter. Voltages in excess of those shown in the Specifications section can result in damage to the unit. For complete information about the characteristics of this input, please refer to the Specifications section found later in this manual. 9

10 Menus Menus The basic menu structure is shown below: (Also see Appendix A) Quick Settings Menu Turn Menu Control Idle Menu (Display Standard) Turn Select Control Status Menu Push Menu Control Push Menu Control Push Select Control Push Menu Control Output Settings Menu Input Settings Menu System Settings Menu Advanced Settings Menu Overview: As a general rule, the Menu Control is used to scroll through the current level menus, and by pushing the control, pop up to the previous menu. The Select Control is used to scroll through the current settings, and by pushing the control, select the current setting or menu. The exceptions to this rule are when the converter is in the Idle Menu. From this menu, the Quick Settings Menu is entered by turning the Menu Control. This is where the most often used user settings are. Turning the Select knob from the Idle Menu enters the Status Menu where various system status information can be displayed. By default, all menus will timeout and return to the Idle Menu if no Control is adjusted for one minute. Most user settings are automatically saved in the user EEPROM when they are changed by the user. The changes are updated instantaneous in the converter. There are a few exceptions to this rule which require the user to push the Select Control to accept the change. For instance, when swapping the functionality of the front panel Controls, it would be confusing to make the changes instantaneous, so the user is required to push the Select Control to make the change active. If the user changes 10

11 menus without pushing the Select Knob, then any setting changes will be disregarded, and the converter will continue to operate with the original settings. These exceptions will be pointed out below, and will be designated with a question mark on the LCD screen of the unit. Note: All settings are factory defaulted to the most appropriate values for each standard. Typically the converter can be used with no other selections than the output standard. The defaults can be restored at any time through the Advanced Menu. Menus Idle Menu: This is the highest level menu, and is the menu the converter enters on power up or when inactive. It displays the current output standard. No user settings are available in this menu, but all other menus are entered from this state. Output Settings Menu: This menu is entered from the Idle Menu by selecting it with the Select Control. Once in the Output Settings Menu, all specific aspects of an output standard are set. All settings in this menu are unique for each standard, so making a change in one standard will not affect other standards. The following submenus are available from the Output Settings Menu: Output Standard: This submenu is always available, and is used to select the desired output standard. When an output standard is selected, all previous user settings for that standard are restored. Note that this setting purposely takes 2 seconds to become active. This was done to eliminate erroneous outputs while scrolling through the output standards. For complete list of available output standards, please refer to the Supported Output Standards section found later in this manual. 11

12 Menus RF System: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard is currently active. The desired RF System to be used for the RF Output is selected in this submenu. The RF System along with the country it is most often used will be displayed on the front panel LCD. For complete list of available output standards, please refer to the Supported RF Systems section found later in this manual. RF Channel: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard is currently active, and an RF System is selected. The desired RF Channel to be used for the RF Output is selected in this menu. Any of the defined channels for the selected RF System can be selected in this submenu. For complete list of available output standards, please refer to the Supported RF Systems section found later in this manual. RF Gain: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard is currently active, and an RF System and Channel is selected. The desired RF Gain between -12dB and +20dB is selected in this submenu. Selecting too high of an output gain can overdrive some televisions and result in a distorted signal, however a high output level can be fed into a passive antenna splitter and used to feed multiple sets. Color Type: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard that is color capable is currently active. The available color types for the current output standard will be selected in this submenu. These will typically be of the type NTSC, PAL, SECAM, RGB Sequential, etc. 12

13 Menus Ref Input Type: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active. The possible selections are: Disabled - Reference input is ignored Auto Detect - Converter will automatically determine the type of the source Line Reference - Only a Line Reference will be recognized Frame Reference - Only a Frame Reference will be recognized Mains Reference - Only a Mains Reference will be recognized The reference input is used to synchronize the converter to an external source. This input is DC coupled and conditioned, and will accept any signal up to 20Vrms. The signal must be within +/-5% of the expected value to be recognized. Ref Input Threshold: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active, and the Ref Input Type is not disabled. It is used to select the threshold trigger level of the reference input from 0.0V to 3.3V. Ref Output Type: This submenu is always available and is used to select the Reference Output Type. The possible selections are: Disabled - No Reference Output Line Pulse - Line square wave Line Sine - Line sine wave (mechanical only) Frame Pulse - Frame square wave Frame Sine - Frame sine wave (mechanical only) Mains Pulse - Mains frequency square wave (mechanical only) Mains Sine - Mains frequency sine wave (mechanical only) 13

14 Menus Red Field Pulse - Red field ID pulse (sequential electronic standards only) Green Field Pulse - Green field ID pulse (sequential electronic standards only) Blue Field Pulse - Blue field ID pulse (sequential electronic standards only) Audio Passthrough - Passes audio output through reference output (only with Reference Driver Board option installed) For electronic standards the pulse outputs can be used to trigger an oscilloscope or external device to synchronize it with the converter. For mechanical standards, the Line, Frame, or Mains output can be used to drive a phonic coil, synchronous motor, or other synchronizing device. Ref Driver: This submenu is only available when the optional Reference/Current Driver Board is installed. The output level can be selected in this submenu from Disabled to 100%. Since the Reference Driver Board gets its signal from the Reference Output, this setting also affects the Reference Output level. For complete information about this submenu, please refer to the Reference/Current Option section later in this manual. Mech Current Driver: This submenu is only available when the Reference/Current Driver Board is installed and a mechanical standard is currently active. This submenu selects the current level of the three LED drivers. The possible selections are: Disabled - Current outputs shut off 50ma/Channel - 50ma for each channel or 150ma when bridged 75ma/Channel - 75ma for each channel or 225ma when bridged 100ma/Channel - 100ma for each channel or 300ma when bridged 150ma/Channel - 150ma for each channel or 450ma when bridged 225ma/Channel - 225ma for each channel or 675ma when bridged 333ma/Channel - 333ma for each channel or 1000ma when bridged 14

15 The Mechanical Driver Output has a detection system that senses what is plugged into the connector, and only allows the selections appropriate for the device. For instance, if a monochrome LED array is connected, you would not be able to select a color output. If a color LED array capable of 100ma/Channel maximum is connected, than no setting above 100ma/Channel is possible. For complete information about this submenu, please refer to the Reference/Current Option section later in this manual. Menus Gamma Correction: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active. Gamma correction is required since standard video is pre-corrected for the characteristics of a CRT, and is not compatible with LED or NEON lamps used in mechanical television. If the device the converter is driving already has gamma correction built in, then it can be disabled in the converter. Output Polarity: This submenu is always available and is used to select the polarity of the video output. Normally this should be set to Positive. If the device the converter is driving requires an inverted video signal, this submenu can be set to Negative. Line Scan: This submenu is always available and is used to select the Line scan direction. When set to Normal, the Line scan will be in the direction appropriate for the selected standard. If the device the converter is driving has the direction reversed, such as in an electronic television with the scan coils reversed, or a mechanical set with the motor running in the wrong direction, this can be set to Reversed. 15

16 Menus Frame Scan: This submenu is always available and is used to select the Frame scan direction. When set to Normal, the Frame scan will be in the direction appropriate for the selected standard. If the device the converter is driving has the direction reversed, such as in an electronic television with the scan coils reversed, or a mechanical set with the motor running in the wrong direction, this can be set to Reversed. Switched Power: This submenu is always available and is used to enable the Switched Power Output connector on the converter. If an external device is attached to the converter that requires power, it can be enabled when the appropriate output standard is selected. Input Settings Menu: This menu is entered from the Idle Menu by selecting it with the Select Control. Once in the Input Settings Menu, specific aspects of the inputs to the converter are set. Settings in this menu are system wide. The following submenus are available from the Input Settings Menu: Audio Gain: This submenu is used to set the gain of the audio inputs. The gain can be varied from -12dB to +12dB. Additionally this menu shows if the input and/or output digital data is being clipped by displaying an In, Out or I&O after the word Clip. The gain should be adjusted in this submenu, or at the source so that neither the input or output is clipping. 16

17 Menus Video Brightness: This submenu is used to set the brightness of the video input decoder. It is adjustable from -50 to +50 IRE. This can be used to correct for a poor or out of spec video input signal. Video Contrast: This submenu is used to set the contrast of the video input decoder. It is adjustable from to This can be used to correct for a poor or out of spec video input signal. Video Chroma: This submenu is used to set the chroma gain of the video input decoder. It is adjustable from to This can be used to correct for a poor or out of spec video input signal. Video Hue: This submenu is used to set the hue of the video input decoder. This setting only affects NTSC signals on the composite and S-Video inputs. It is adjustable from -90 to +90 degrees. This can be used to correct for a poor or out of spec video input signal. Video Sharpness: This submenu is used to set the Luma Sharpness (peaking) of the video input decoder. This setting only affects the composite and S-Video inputs. It is adjustable from 0dB to 6dB in four steps. The peaking is centered around 2.64MHz. This can be used to correct for a poor video input signal, or to increase the peaking of the 17

18 Menus output when driving a poor monitor. Note: the output may flicker when changing this setting. This is normal. Video Standard: This submenu is used to select the video input standard. The possible selections are: Auto Detect - Automatically detect the type of video input NTSC - Only accept NTSC video inputs NTSC Only accept NTSC 4.43 video inputs PAL - Only accept PAL video inputs PAL (M) - Only accept PAL (M) video inputs PAL (Nc) -Only accept PAL (Nc) video inputs SECAM - Only accept SECAM video inputs This setting should normally be left in Auto Detect, and the converter will adjust for the input. If the converter is not locking correctly to the input, or it is desirable to ignore certain standards, they can be selected manually. Video Input: This submenu is used to select the video input connector used by the converter. The possible selections are: Auto Detect - Scroll through all the inputs and lock on the first one detected Composite Input - Only use the composite input S-Video Input - Only use the S-Video input Component YUV Input - Only use the component input with a YUV signal Component RGB Input - Only use the component input with an RGB signal Component RGBS Input - Only use the component input with an RGBS signal Normally this setting should be left in Auto Detect, and the converter will use the first active video signal it finds. If there are multiple video sources connected to the converter, the desired input can be manually selected. Note, the component RGB and RGBS inputs can not be detected automatically, and must be selected manually. 18

19 Menus System Settings Menu: This menu is entered from the Idle Menu by selecting it with the Select Control. Once in the System Settings Menu, specific aspects of the converter are set. Settings in this menu are system wide. The following submenus are available from the System Settings Menu: LCD Brightness: This submenu is used to set the brightness of the front panel LCD. It can be set from 25% to 100% brightness. LCD Contrast: This submenu is used to set the contrast of the front panel LCD. It can be set from -50 to +50. It should be set for the best contrast on the front panel display. LCD Dimming: This submenu is used to set the automatic LCD Dimming function. When Enabled, if no user activity happens for one minute, the LCD will automatically dim. This can be helpful when viewing a television in a dimly lit room so the LCD will not be as bright. Menu Timeout: This submenu is used to set the automatic Menu Timeout function. When Enabled, if no user activity happens for one minute, the converter will automatically return to the Idle Menu. If the user desires the menu s to stay active indefinitely, this feature can be Disabled. 19

20 Menus Power Saving: This submenu is used to set the Power Saving feature. When no video input is detected on the converter for the selected amount of time, the converter will power itself down. This feature is not available when Converter Bypass mode is selected. The possible selections are: Disabled - Converter will never power down automatically Power Down: 1 Hour - Converter will power down in 1 hour of inactivity Power Down: 2 Hours - Converter will power down in 2 hours of inactivity Power Down: 4 Hours - Converter will power down in 4 hours of inactivity Power Recovery: This submenu is used to set the Power Recovery feature. When enabled, the converter will return the the previous power state after a power failure. For instance if the power goes out and then comes back on, the unit will power back up, and return to the previous operating state. If this feature is disabled, the unit will remain off until manually powered back on. Language: This submenu is used to set the Language of all menus on the converter. The possible selections are: English Deutsch Francais Espanol 20

21 Menus Control Tracking: This submenu is used to set the Control Tracking function. When Enabled, a speed sensitive tracking feature is applied to the Controls. This means the faster the Controls are turned, the more effect they have. This is very useful on many of the menus which have a very large adjustment range. For example, Video Contrast is adjustable from to By turning the Control fast, the adjustment will occur more quickly. By turning the Control slowly, very fine control over the adjustment can be obtained. When Disabled, no speed sensitive tracking is applied and the Controls will have the same affect regardless of how fast or slow the Control is turned. Control Swap: This submenu is used to swap the function of the front panel controls. This is one of the special cases that must be selected by pushing the Select Control. If the user would prefer to have the Menu Control on the right and the Select Control on the left, they can be swapped in this submenu. Installed Options: This submenu is for informational purposes only. No user settings are available. In this submenu the user can scroll through a list of installed options in the converter. System Info: This submenu is for informational purposes only. No user settings are available. In this submenu the user can scroll through a list of the version numbers and serial number of the converter. This information can be used to make sure the converter has the latest code. 21

22 Menus Advanced Settings Menu: This menu is entered from the Idle Menu by selecting it with the Select Control. Once in the Advanced Settings Menu, specific advanced aspects of the converter are set. Settings in this menu are system wide. The following submenus are available from the Advanced Settings Menu: Set Defaults: This submenu is used to return the converter to it s factory default settings. The possible selections are: Sys/In/Adv Defaults? - The System, Input and Advanced defaults are restored Output Defaults? - Only the currently selected standard defaults are restored All Defaults? - All defaults are restored User RF Erase? - Erase User RF Table Any specific user settings in the affected menus will be lost when the factory defaults are restored. This is one of the special cases that must be selected by pushing the Select Control. Default Audio: This submenu is used to select the type of audio when no video input is detected. The possible selections are: Disabled - No audio output when no video input detected Test Tone -24dB - A -24dBFS 1KHz sine wave is output when no video detected Test Tone -18dB - A -18dBFS 1KHz sine wave is output when no video detected Audio Inputs - The audio inputs are passed through when no video detected 22

23 Menus NTSC Reverse 3:2: This submenu is used to select the NTSC Reverse 3:2 pulldown detection. NTSC 3:2 pulldown is a process used to broadcast 24fps movies. By detecting this process and reversing it, a perfect reconstruction of the original 24fps media can be obtained. This should normally be left on as it will have no affect on normal video. VCXO Control: This submenu is only available when the VCXO option is installed. This option provides a method to lock the converter s output to the video input, yet maintain extremely precise output timing even if the input timing contains jitter. Without this option, or when disabled, the converters output is always stable and jitter free, but frames of video may be added or dropped as needed if the video input clock rate differs from the converters internal clock. PLL Hold: This submenu is to select the behaviour of the PLL. When enabled, the PLL will hold it s last value when lock is lost. When disabled, the PLL will return to it s nominal frequency when lock is lost. User RF Video Modulation: This submenu is used to set the video modulation type of the User RF System. The possible selections are: Negative Positive 23

24 Menus User RF Audio Modulation: This submenu is used to set the audio modulation type, and video/audio channel spacing of the User RF System. The possible selections for the modulation type are: AM -12dB AM -6dB FM -16dB FM -12dB And for the carrier spacing are: Used for full independent AM carrier frequency, no sound trap 2.25MHz + or - AM spacing 2.80MHz + or - AM spacing 3.50MHz + or - AM spacing 4.00MHz + or - AM spacing 4.50MHz + or - AM spacing, +/- FM spacing 5.50MHz + or - AM spacing, +/- FM spacing 6.00MHz + or - AM spacing, +/- FM spacing 6.50MHz + or - AM spacing, +/- FM spacing 11.12MHz + or - AM spacing This menu uses a cursor under the section of the menu that is currently selected as shown below: AM -12dB +4.50MHz In this example, the cursor is under the carrier spacing setting, so this is what the Select Control will change. User RF Channel Name: This submenu is used to create an entry in the User RF System table, and attach a name to it The menu appears as shown below: 24

25 Menus Entry: 5+ Name:XYZ This menu uses a cursor under the section of the menu that is currently selected. When the + is shown in the Entry section, the entry has not been created in the User RF table yet. To create the entry, push the Select Control. The last entry in the table can be removed when the - is shown by pushing the Select Control. The Entry value is strictly used as a position in the User RF table, while the Name created in this menu is what will be used to denote the channel. Note: You can only scroll through the number of active entries in the table, with a maximum of 32 entries. Note: the possible values for Name characters are as follows: * +, -. / : ; A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z User RF Video Frequency: This submenu is used to set the video carrier frequency for the selected entry in the User RF System table. The menu appears as shown below: MHz This menu uses a cursor under the section of the menu that is currently selected. The cursor can be positioned under each decade of the frequency, and then adjusted. The frequency will automatically stay within the range of 28.50MHz to MHz. User RF Audio Frequency: This submenu is used to set the audio carrier frequency for the selected entry in the User RF System table. This menu is only available when the (no carrier spacing) was selected in the User RF Audio Modulation menu. The menu appears as shown below: MHz 25

26 Menus This menu uses a cursor under the section of the menu that is currently selected. The cursor can be positioned under each decade of the frequency, and then adjusted. The frequency will automatically stay within the range of 28.50MHz to MHz. Quick Settings Menu: This menu is entered from the Idle Menu by turning the Menu Control. This menu contains the most common user settings for quick changes. All settings in this menu are unique for each standard, so making a change in one standard will not affect other standards. The following submenus are available from the Quick Settings Menu: Zoom Image: This submenu is always available and is used to zoom the video image to correct for 16:9 letterbox images. Television is frequently broadcast at wide screen 16:9 letterbox which does not fit the standard television screen. This control zooms the image to correct for this, typically increasing the actual image resolution. Pan Image: This submenu is only available when Zoom Image is enabled, or on some narrow mechanical standards like NBTV and Baird. Since the output video is the cropped center of the input video, this control allows the user to pan the video image back and forth across the entire input image. This control ranges from -100% to +100% relative to the input video. Freeze Image: This submenu is always available and is used to freeze the output image. 26

27 Menus Frame Phase: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the output to be frame phased relative to Reference Input or the Reference Output signal. This is used to align a mechanical image s frame to the phase of the television. The control ranges from 1 to the number of lines in the selected standard. Line Phase: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the output to be line phased relative to Reference Input or the Reference Output signal. This is used to align a mechanical image s line to the phase of the television. The control ranges from 0 to 100%. Color Phase: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential color standard is currently active. It allows the output to be color phased by slipping the phase one field forward or backwards each time the Select knob is turned. This control is unitless, so the display will just show ---. Output Color: This submenu is only available when a color electronic or mechanical standard is currently active. For electronic standards, the user can select between On and Off. This provides a quick way to disable the color portion of an electronic signal. For mechanical standards, the user can select between Orange, White, and RGB. This only affects the Mechanical RGB output. Selecting Orange forces the RGB outputs into a monochrome mode with orange tinting simulating an original NEON lamp color. Selecting White forces the RGB outputs into a monochrome mode with no tinting, and selecting RGB gives a full, simultaneous color output. 27

28 Menus Red Level: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential standard or mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the level of the red output, or red fields of an electronic sequential standard to be set from -50 to +50 IRE. Red Gain: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential standard or mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the gain of the red output, or red fields of an electronic sequential standard to be set from to gain. Green Level: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential standard or mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the level of the green output, or green fields of an electronic sequential standard to be set from -50 to +50 IRE. Green Gain: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential standard or mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the gain of the green output, or green fields of an electronic sequential standard to be set from to gain. Blue Level: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential standard or mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the level of the blue output, or blue fields of an electronic sequential standard to be set from -50 to +50 IRE. 28

29 Menus Blue Gain: This submenu is only available when an electronic sequential standard or mechanical standard is currently active. It allows the gain of the blue output, or blue fields of an electronic sequential standard to be set from to gain. Output Level: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active, and a monochrome device is attached. It is a combination of the individual red, green blue level controls described above. It allows the level of the output to be set from -50 to +50 IRE. Output Gain: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active, and a monochrome device is attached. It is a combination of the individual red, green blue level controls described above. It allows the level of the output to be set from to gain. Save Image: This submenu is always available and allows the current image to be stored into the Image FLASH. Each standard has it s own image storage area, so one unique image can be stored for each standard. The image will take between 2 and 10 seconds to save. While the image is being save, a progress wheel will be shown on the LCD display, and no other inputs will be accepted. Hint: you can use the Freeze Image function to get the image you like, and then save it to memory. 29

30 Menus Default Image: This submenu is always available and selects the default image to be used when no video input is detected;. The possible selections are: Black - Video Black Test1 - Internal Color Bar Generator Test2 - Startup Promotional Movie Saved - User Saved Image (only available after an image is saved to memory) Status Menu: This menu is entered from the Idle Menu by turning the Select Control. This menu is for information purposes only. No user settings are available. The following submenus are available from the Status Menu: Video Input: This submenu is always available and displays the currently detected video input, both which input is active, and what type of video. The left side contains the information on which input is active, and the right side contains which video standard is detected. The possible information is: Video In: No Video - No video input currently detected Input connector information: CVBS In: - Composite video input selected Y/C In: - S-Video input selected YUV In: - Component YUV input selected RGB In: - Component RGB input selected RGBS In: - Component RGBS input selected 30

31 Menus Input Standard Information: : NTSC : NTSC 4.43 : PAL : PAL (M) : PAL (Nc) : SECAM Additionally the status of the NTSC 3:2 pulldown detector is shown on the right side of this display. If a 3:2 is displayed, it means the converter has locked onto a 3:2 sequence. If the colon between the 3 and 2 is flashing, it means the cadence of the pulldown sequence has changed, and the converter is reclocking to the new cadence. Ref Input: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active and displays the currently detected reference input. The possible information is: No Input Line Ref Frame Ref 60Hz Mains 50Hz Mains Note, an asterik (*) will appear before the 60Hz Mains or 50Hz Mains if the reference is incorrect for the selected standard and the frame rate is being adjusted. RF: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard is currently active. The displayed information is as follows: 31

32 Menus RF Sys: xxx Chan: xxx Where Sys xxx would show the currently selected RF System, such as A, and Chan xxx would show the currently selected channel, such as 1. This would display as: RF Sys: A Chan: 1 RF V: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard is currently active, and an RF System and Channel are currently selected. This submenu displays the frequency and modulation type of the currently selected video carrier. Using the previous example, this would display as: RF V: 45.00MHz Pos RF A: This submenu is only available when an electronic standard is currently active, and an RF System and Channel are currently selected. This submenu displays the frequency and modulation type of the currently selected audio carrier. Using the previous example, this would display as: RF V: 41.50MHz AM Mech Det: This submenu is only available when a mechanical standard is currently active. The detected device attached to the Mechanical Output or Mechanical Driver Output will be displayed such as follows: 32

33 Menus 333ma/RGB This can be used to validate the correct device is attached to the converter. Input Voltage: This submenu is always available and displays the voltage on the input power connector as follows: Input Voltage: 12.1V Main Temp: This submenu is always available and displays the temperature of the main circuit board in degrees Celsius as follows: Main Temp: 29 C Driver Temp: This submenu is only available when the Reference/Current Driver Board option is installed. It displays the temperature of the driver circuit board in degrees Celsius as follows: Driver Temp: 29 C If the driver board temperature rises above 45 C, a fan will automatically start. If the temperature rises above 70 C, the driver board will be disabled. If the temperature rises above 75 C, the converter will power down. 33

34 Operation Operation To operate the converter, connect the supplied power adapter to the converter and to the Mains supply. The converter is powered on and off by pushing both the Menu Control and Select Control simultaneously and holding for approximately 2 seconds. The greeting message will be displayed while the converter initializes. This will take approximately 1.5 seconds. During this time all outputs are disabled. Once the converter has finished initializing, the converter will return to the last state it was in. A short promotional video will be displayed for a few more seconds, and then the converter will enter normal operation. Since the factory defaults for each standard are usually the most often required, very few settings need to be changed the first time the unit is powered on for minimal operation. Minimum operation for electronic standards: To set the converter up for use with an electronic television, all that needs to be done is to select the desired output standard in the Output Settings Menu as previously described. At this point, the converter will be outputting a test image from it s composite output connector, and sending the video out the RF connector on the most commonly used RF channel for the selected standard. If the RF System or Channel are not what is desired, they can be changed in the Output Settings Menu. To connect the converter to the television, the composite video output and audio output can be used to connected to the television if it has line-level inputs, or through it s antenna terminals if not. A balance transformer (balun) may be needed to convert the 75Ω F connector output of the unit to the appropriate connector type for the television. When no video is detected on the video inputs to the converter, the converter will display one of several different test images along with an audio test tone. Built into the converter is a Color Bar Generator, and a short promotional movie. These, along with a user saved image can be selected to be output from the converter when no video input is detected. This can be very helpful in setting up a television and verifying operation with no video source available. At this point, the test image should now be playing on the television. Specific changes to the operation of the converter to better suite the users needs can be made as described in the previous section. 34

35 To connect a video source to the converter, any standard device such as DVD, PVR, VCR or Digital Receiver is typically used. Simply connect the audio and video outputs from the device to the converter. Good quality, 75Ω cables should be used to connect the video source to the converter. By default, the converter will automatically detect which input the video is connected to, and what standard it is, so no user intervention is required. The audio from the source device (DVD, PVR, VCR, etc.) should be routed to the converters audio inputs. Two inputs are provided so a stereo audio signal can be fed to the unit. The two channels are combined internally into a monaural signal. If only a monaural audio source is available, it can be fed to either input. For additional audio gain, a Y cable can be used with a monaural source to feed both inputs. An additional benefit of the converter can be found in it s video processing path. Since most early television sets did not have Vertical Blanking Interval Suppression or Chroma Traps, retrace lines and moire patterns can be visible when using modern video signals. The converter will suppress the VBI signals eliminating retrace lines, and contains a 5 line adaptive comb filter to separate the chroma signal eliminating moire patterns. Caution! The RF output from the internal modulator uses a double side band modulation technique, and is not suitable for broadcast without filtering. Also, due to the method of frequency generation provided in the RF modulator IC s, their outputs are rich in harmonics. It is intended to only be connected directly to a television s antenna input. At no time should the RF output from this unit be connected to an antenna for the purpose of broadcasting the signal. While no damage will result to the unit, it is against the law in most countries to use a modulator in such a manner. Minimum operation for mechanical standards: Operation In the same way as electronic standards, the unit is setup in a similar fashion. First select the desired output standard, and attach a video source as previously described. Because of the nature of mechanical television, a good understanding of how they operate is essential to getting one operating. Depending on the type of television, the Reference Output from the converter may need to be sent to the phonic coils on the television, or an external reference signal may need to be fed to the Reference Input to lock the converter. The video output from the converter will 35

36 Operation need to be connected to the lamp in the television which may require an external power supply and amplifier. This can be made easier by use of the optional Reference/Current Driver board. It contains an amplifier capable of driving a phonic coil (matching transformer required) and three current drivers for directly driving a RGB LED array. The figures below show the typical connections to common mechanical televisions. The Baird Televisor uses an AC/DC motor that is not synchronized to the Mains, but rather uses a phonic coil for synchronization. In this setup, the Reference output from the converter is amplified and driven to the phonic coil. The video output, either monochrome from the Composite Output or RGB from the Mechanical RGB Output is amplified and driven to the appropriate lamp. The Western Televisor uses an AC synchronous motor that is synchronized to the Mains supply. This type of television requires a Mains reference to be supplied to the converter so that it can synchronize the video output to the same signal as the motor. This can be supplied through a simple 6VAC or similar Mains transformer. As above, the video output, either monochrome from the Composite Output or RGB from the Mechanical RGB Output is amplified and driven to the appropriate lamp. Basic converter connections to mechanical televisions Mains Reference To Phonic Coil Amplifier Amplifier Amplifier To Lamp To Lamp RGB Amplifier (alternate ) To RGB Lamp Western Televisor 36

37 Operation These drawings only represent typical connections to mechanical televisions. Many different types of mechanical televisions were created, and are still being built today by hobbyists. The converter is capable of driving all of these with specific external or internal amplifiers and drivers. 37

38 Reference/Current Driver Option Reference/Current Driver Option This optional daughter card provides high power outputs for direct connection to mechanical televisions. The Reference Driver provides up to 20W of power to drive a motor, phonic coil, or loud speaker. The Current Driver provides three 333ma current drivers to directly drive an RGB or monochrome LED array. This greatly simplifies connection of the converter to a mechanical television. If this option was purchased separately, it must be installed into the base converter. To do this, unplug all cables from the converter, and wait at least one minute for all power to bleed off. Next, remove the two screws from the bottom of the converter, and carefully remove the top by pulling straight up on it. Make sure you touch the exposed metal of one of the connectors on the back panel to discharge any static. You will see four standoffs and two dual row connectors that line up with four mounting holes and two dual row headers on the daughter card. Carefully line up the two headers so that all pins are mated. The four mounting holes should line up at this point. If they don t remove the daughter card, and try again. Once the card is aligned, secure it with the four screws supplied. Caution! Never install or remove the daughter card if the green power LED on the left side of the main board is lit or damage may result to both boards. Reference Driver Output: The Reference Driver consists of a Class D switching amplifier for high efficiency. It can provide up to 20W of power into an 8Ω load. The load can range from 6Ω to 12Ω. When driving a load outside this range, and matching transformer must be used. For instance, a Baird Televisor s phonic coil has a characteristic impedance of 11KΩ. To match this to the Drivers output, a transformer such as the Hammond 125ESE can be used. Select the 8Ω/10KΩ taps and connect the primary to the phonic coils and the secondary to the Driver. The amplifier is protected against over temperature and short circuits. If tripped, the unit may need to be turned off and back on to reset. 38